Northern Ireland

John Blair: Alliance selects first openly gay MLA for assembly

John Blair (centre) pictured with Alliance leader Naomi Long and former MLA David Ford 
John Blair (centre) pictured with Alliance leader Naomi Long and former MLA David Ford  John Blair (centre) pictured with Alliance leader Naomi Long and former MLA David Ford 

THE ASSEMBLY is set to get its first openly gay MLA as Alliance has selected Newtownabbey councillor John Blair to replace the retiring David Ford in South Antrim.

Mr Blair represents Glengormley on Antrim and Newtoenabbey Borough Council and was previously served as deputy mayor.

The 52-year-old said he was "honoured and delighted" to have been selected and paid tribute to David Ford, saying his leadership "helped grow the party both in the constituency and wider.”

“I will be looking to build on my previous work as Councillor and provide a strong Alliance voice for local people, here in South Antrim and also in the Assembly," said Mr Blair.

"We are a growing party and we are already hitting the ground running ahead here of next year’s Council elections.

“Since deciding to run for the MLA seat, I have received support and encouragement from right across the community, showing the progressive and positive alternative Alliance represents. I want to be carrying out all the duties of an MLA, so it is vital the Secretary of State calls all-party talks with an independent mediator immediately, so we can all get back to Stormont and do the job people want us to do.

“I look forward to doing just that, while representing all the people of South Antrim and providing a strong voice for them, whether rural or urban.”